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Democratic

Ron Kind

A native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Ron Kind has represented Wisconsin's Third Congressional District since 1997.

Ron is a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, Medicare, Social Security, and international trade. He serves on the Subcommittee on Health, and since becoming a member in 2007, Ron has focused his work primarily on that of issues relating to small business, specifically their health care challenges. Ron also serves on the Subcommittee on Trade.

Education

Education at all levels is of vital importance to our country, and giving our students the tools they need to succeed has long been a mission of mine while serving in Congress. Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District is home to fourteen colleges and universities with more than 71,000 undergraduate students and over 120,000 students enrolled in K-12.
 
However, student loan debt is a serious problem. College grads in Wisconsin enter the job market with over $28,000 in debt, on average, and student loan debt has surpassed $1 trillion nationally, which is higher than credit card debt and second only to homeowner mortgage debt. That’s why in early 2015 I introduced the College Affordability Action Plan to make sure hard working students and families have access to an affordable education. My strategy to help make college more affordable consists of five key principles:

  • Making Sure Government Doesn’t Profit from Student Loans
  • Allow Student Loans to Be Refinanced Like Mortgages
  • Provide Tax Incentives to Address College Affordability
  • Make Loan Payments Match Earnings
  • Provide Pell Grants Year-Round

I believe that investing in higher education and helping more students afford college is one of the smartest decisions we can make as a nation. Every dollar we invest today will pay dividends down the road and help ensure that Wisconsin can compete in the global marketplace.  For more information on my five principles, click here.

Legislative Successes

  • Since kids perform better academically when they are active during the school day, I will continue to advocate for an increased focus on physical education in our schools.  For more information on my work to fight childhood obesity and my FIT Kids Act specifically, click here.
  • Another bill I was proud to introduce, the Healthy Kids Outdoors Act, provides incentives for states to develop action plans to connect children and families to the great outdoors. The proposal also creates a national strategy to increase outdoor activity and, through coordination with federal and local partners, further identify the health, conservation and other benefits of spending time outdoors.
  • In June 2015, introduced a resolution to protect and commemorate the Wisconsin Idea as a fundamental part of the University of Wisconsin system. The Wisconsin Idea has been part of the fabric of our state for over 100 years. Generations of Wisconsinites have been guided by the values of giving back both inside and outside the classroom and fostering our students’ potential. Investing in higher education and helping foster the Wisconsin Idea is one of the smartest decisions we can make. Every dollar we invest today will pay dividends down the road and help ensure that Wisconsin can compete in the global marketplace.